A Double Delight of Elegance and Excellence.

Elly Lukas’ 69th Graduation and 70th Anniversary.

In December 2023, over 1200 Beauty, spa, and Dermal industry leaders, graduates, dignitaries, and guests gathered for a glittering gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Crown Palladium Ballroom for the Elly Lukas 69th annual graduation.

The Elly Lukas graduation is an eagerly anticipated annual event that signifies the culmination of unwavering commitment, hard work, and passion within the beauty therapy training vocation. This ceremony not only honours the graduates but also serves as a pivotal moment for them to reflect on their accomplishments and embark on the next phase of their careers with confidence.

“It’s a night that also serves to unite our industry and bring industry partners and leading employers together with our latest and greatest graduates who are on their journey to become future industry leaders”, said Principal Alex Zotos.

Leading industry brands such as DMK, Elemis, Dermalogica, Mancine, Sothys, Aspect, Skeyndor, LaGaia, Moroccan Tan and Timely together with key employers – Crown Spa, Peninsula Hot Springs, Hayman Island, Dr Tass, Breathtaker Spa and Joali Being Maldives, alongside mocha group GM Jarred Stedman, each presented awards of excellence acknowledging outstanding achievements.

“It’s one of the biggest events held at Crown each year with the graduates and their families making it a weekend-long celebration event booking over 200 Crown Hotel room nights and enjoying Spa treatments at special rates at the

Forbes rated Crown Spa”, Alex said. “Our graduates have gone above and beyond in their studies, so it’s important that they are recognised and celebrated in such a memorable way”, he added.

The grandeur of the event provided an elegant backdrop for this memorable celebration, showcasing a Moulin Rouge inspired theme with singers, dancers, and circus acts, all leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

The gala featured the dedication and talent of the Class of 2023 students who had completed their Diploma of Beauty Therapy, Diploma of Salon Management and Certificate III in Makeup receiving their certificates and diplomas on stage from college Principal, Alex Zotos.

The highlight of the night for students was the selection of awards presented by industry peers and leaders for the highest achievements in each modality with the pinnacle award being the Dux of College - awarded to Ebony Waddington and Charlotte Edwards - underlining the Elly Lukas graduate’s commitment to excellence in beauty therapy training and education.

The evening also featured the conferral of Dermal Degrees from the Australian Dermal Science Institute, for Elly Lukas Diploma graduates who completed the 2-year Associate Dermal Degree to qualify as Dermal Therapists and 3-year bachelor’s degree to qualify as Dermal Clinicians.

“Our industry has undergone dramatic growth, particularly in advanced skin which makes the Dermal Degree qualifications essential for future success…Diploma is now really considered entry level and we predict Degree qualifications will soon become the expectation”, said Alex. The ADSI Medal awarded for highest academic achievement in the Bachelor Dermal Science Degree was presented to Stephanie Day and Georgia McCracken.

“As the graduates’ step into their professional careers, we remain proud of their achievements and look forward to witnessing their continued success in the dynamic field of beauty and spa.

The graduation ceremony was a fitting tribute to the hard work and determination exhibited by the Class of 2023, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards fulfilling careers and emphasizing Elly Lukas College’s continued role as a leading training institution in the industry,” concluded Alex, College Principal.

Established in Melbourne in 1954, Elly Lukas College is the only college in Australia to offer 3 internationally recognised qualifications and 2 dermal degree pathways. Graduates from Elly Lukas have marked successful careers both locally and globally in the spa and beauty world.

Following on from the graduation, in early January, Elly Lukas celebrated their 70th anniversary on Hayman Island. In the early days, the Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College provided deportment, modelling, makeup, and beautician courses which began to rapidly expand as the beauty industry evolved over the following decades.

Fast forward to the present day, and the legacy lives on under the guidance of Elly’s son, Alex Zotos, the current Director/ Owner, alongside his wife Janelle. Together, they have cultivated a team of passionate, committed individuals dedicated not only to education but also to nurturing individuals into exceptional professionals with global opportunities.

Mocha Group’s GM, Jarred Stedman, was invited as a special guest and spoke with CEO Alex Zotos, who expressed why Hayman Island is the ideal location to commemorate this significant milestone.

According to Alex, Hayman is a truly unique resort in Australia, and the college has enjoyed a longstanding and wonderful relationship with the island. Many therapists have visited the island on spa tours, many also even working there, leaving with profound experiences.

Alex emphasised that the students graduating from Elly Lukas possess a diverse skill set, not only excelling in their craft but also mastering the art of communication, exceptional customer care, and present themselves as well-rounded professionals.

Jarred also had the opportunity to discuss the success of Elly Lukas graduates with industry leader Gry Tomte, owner of HUD skin and body clinic. Gry highlighted that these students stand out not just for their qualifications but for their empowerment, making them highly employable in the competitive beauty industry.

Further conversations with Mary Katsas, Head of School for ADSI, shed light on the college’s growth over the past 25 years and Alumni, Sofie Gillard, owner of Botanica Wellness Spa and Clinic Melbourne, shared her global journey post-graduation, attributing her success to the college’s global reputation.

Additionally, Jarred caught up with James Vivian, the 2023 ABIA Australian Salon/Spa/ Clinic of the Year Winner and Elly Lukas alumni. James discussed how the college’s incredible culture enabled him to build lifelong relationships with staff and lecturers. Gry, Sofie, and James were VIP guests.

The weekend was nothing short of amazing, as declared by GM of Mocha Jarred Stedman, encapsulating the spirit of celebration and success at the 70th-anniversary event on Hayman Island.

@ellylukas.college